The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has stated that there is no verified evidence suggesting that student loan funds were diverted at the University of Abuja.
The Fund made this clarification in a statement issued in Abuja by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, in response to recent media reports alleging diversion, misappropriation, or unlawful withholding of NELFUND disbursements by the university.
According to Oluwatuyi, there is currently no substantiated proof before the Fund indicating that the University of Abuja misapplied or unlawfully withheld any funds disbursed under the student loan scheme.
“NELFUND wishes to state clearly that, as of this moment, there is no verified evidence before the Fund establishing that the University of Abuja has diverted, misappropriated, or unlawfully withheld NELFUND disbursements,” she said.
She explained that NELFUND operates under a structured disbursement and reconciliation framework in line with its statutory mandate. Funds are released through designated institutional channels, supported by compliance measures designed to ensure transparency and accountability.
Oluwatuyi further noted that when concerns arise—such as delays in crediting student accounts or reconciliation processes—the Fund engages directly with the relevant institution to address and resolve such matters through administrative procedures and due process.
She emphasised that media allegations do not amount to confirmed findings, adding that NELFUND relies strictly on verified documentation, formal reconciliation procedures, and audit mechanisms in handling any issues related to its disbursement processes.
The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding eligible Nigerian students and ensuring that all disbursed funds are applied lawfully. It also pledged continued collaboration with partner institutions to maintain transparency, accountability, and integrity within the student loan programme.
